-
Two thirds (65 per cent) of poll respondents take a long term approach to their investments
-
The UK and China rated top countries for investment returns
With the London 2012 Olympic Games underway, Barclays Stockbrokers, the UK's largest online execution-only stockbroker, surveyed clients on how they describe their investment strategy, with the response options likened to Olympic events. The poll found that 65% of investors are "in it for the long-term", split between 34% who likened their investment approach to a heptathlon - utilising a long-term investment strategy which is underpinned by several different approaches - and 31% who likened their investment strategy to a marathon; buying and holding for the long-term. Another 16% compared their investment approach to the hurdles, saying that in the current environment they are focusing on clearing short term obstacles.
In a separate poll, thinking about countries that have hosted the Olympic Games in recent years, Barclays Stockbrokers asked clients which regions have offered the best investment returns. The UK emerged as the most popular region, with over half the votes (56%), followed by the 2008 Games host, China, with 16%. The US, which last hosted the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, came in third spot with 14% of the vote.
Paul Inkster, Head of Product, Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "It comes as no surprise that investors are taking a long-term approach to their investment strategy in the search for returns. Particularly in times of challenging market conditions, our clients see the importance of keeping long-term goals in mind to ensure that their investment portfolio has the breadth to deliver returns and protect against short-term volatility.
"All eyes are on the UK this year as London takes the stage as hosts of the 2012 Olympics, but the respondents to our poll also show an appetite for exposure to other countries and regions. The Barclays Stockbrokers International Trader platform is ideal for DIY investors who want to pick their own stocks and seek out opportunities in global markets. The online platform is truly state-of-the-art and provides efficient, cost-effective access to developed global equity markets, as well as allowing traders and investors to tailor their portfolio to suit their own individual needs and investment strategies."
|